particular which was very close to the boat lying on its back, quite unconcerned with its flippers in the air.
The forecast for two days hence was severe weather, the tail end of tropical storm Alex so the next morning at daybreak we set off for Falmouth. As we cleared the islands we saw numerous other yachts doing likewise. It was a long day beating to windward, well reefed down, wind SE 25 knots, sea moderate. Arrived in Falmouth just before 9pm and anchored off St. Just, sheltered from the southeasterly wind. Next day we managed to explore the River Fal and settle into Falmouth Marina before the rain caught up with us – and didn’t it rain, still we had plenty to read. After a few days, with little change in the long range forecast, we decided to make for Charlestown as it sounded so interesting in the West Country Pilot. As soon as we were in VHF range we called the Harbourmaster only to be told that as it was neaps the lock wouldn’t open for three more day, hence we finished up in Fowey. Bearing in mind we’d never sailed the West Country before and all the rivers and harbours were new to us (we’d always sailed south), we found Fowey quaint, a good Sailing Club, plenty of visitors buoys, a water taxi and sun between the showers.
Our next port of call was Cawsand, Plymouth Sound. We had a cracking sail with winds gusting to 36knots in the showers. The anchorage is comfortable with good protection from south to southwest wind and the picturesque twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand have adequate shops, restaurants and pubs. Well worth going ashore! Our stay coincided with a rowing and sailing regatta, and with the anchorage being very popular at weekends there was much to see. Heavy showers and the forecast unchanged for the next five days: we were getting fed up with the weather so decided to cut short our meandering and head for home
0530 the next morning we were off to Weymouth. It rained and blew most of the day and by 1745 we were off Portland Bill so decided to continue to Studland where we arrived at 2045, just getting dark. A long day but well worth it as the forecast this time was south to southeast gales and rain. Again an early start 0515 to catch the tide through Hurst narrows – fair wind, sailing all the way to Gosport Marina. Forecast: heavy blustery showers and southeasterlies 5-6, the following day southwest 9-10. How glad we were to be back. Duration of cruise 11 weeks, 3565 miles and no accidents.
Because the inclement weather restricted our sightseeing and exploration we very much hope to revisit Ireland, the Scillies and the West Country again, however, I do not envisage any more off shore sailing.
Rosemary Millerchip
30th August 2004
